Many scientific and industrial applications require the presentation of precise, repeatable, and quantifiable olfactory stimuli. Currently, no practical and standardized olfactometer for generating such stimuli is commercially available within the United States. The goal of this program is to develop such a device, with attention paid to ease of operation and serviceability. This instrument will use permeation tubes as the initial odorant source for accurate and stable generation of low- level olfactory stimuli and will employ a photoionization detector to monitor the stimulus concentrations online. Also, the proposed device will use mass flow controllers to insure the maintenance of stable and highly regulated air flows. This system will be versatile in application, easy to operate, and easy to maintain and service. In Phase I of development, the utility of using permeation tubes as a source for olfactory stimuli was investigated. Other major components of the system were evaluated and selected. In Phase II, we will construct a working precision olfactometer. This goal will be achieved in three stages: 1) fabrication of the olfactometer; 2) interfacing to a computer and writing the appropriate software; and 3) thorough evaluation of the instrument, using analytical and organoleptic measures. Operator ergonomics of the olfactometer will also be examined.

Proposed Commercial Applications

The proposed olfactometer would be applicable where ever there is a need for presentation of precise, well defined olfactory stimuli, e.g., in medicine, basic research, and in government and commercial laboratories working in the field of olfaction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44DC004024-02
Application #
6310269
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IFCN-7 (02))
Program Officer
Davis, Barry
Project Start
1999-09-23
Project End
2003-02-28
Budget Start
2001-03-01
Budget End
2002-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$297,359
Indirect Cost
Name
Sensonics, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Haddon Heights
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08035